Last week, U.S. House of Representatives passed a 21st century energy bill that would harness American ingenuity and put us on a path to cleaner, smarter new energy future. This bill is a breakthrough on energy policy and would set the country firmly on a path to increasing clean energy, lowering energy demand, and reducing U.S. dependence on oil. After failing to reach cloture on the bill last week, Senate leadership dropped an important renewable energy requirement from the bill and made changes to the tax package in the hopes of garnering 60 votes.
Unfortunately, this morning, a minority of Senators, led by auto industry and Big Oil supporters blocked forward progress on energy and the bill failed to reach the 60 vote hurdle. Senators who voted “no” are blocking a historic opportunity to harness modern technology to deliver savings at the pump. Senators who voted “no” voted for more gas guzzling vehicles, more global warming pollution and more dependence on oil.
Americans should not tolerate leaders who are defending the status quo on energy. At a time when oil prices are hovering around $90/barrel, the public deserves a 21st century clean, green energy policy that saves money at the gas pump. We are particularly disappointed that despite overwhelming public demand for cars that get better gas mileage the Senate has missed this opportunity to strengthen fuel economy standards.
Both of these policies would substantially reduce global warming pollution while saving consumers money. We are also dismayed that, despite public statements of support for the compromise fuel economy language in the bill, the auto industry and its allies in Congress and the White House are now insisting on blocking and states and the EPA from regulating global warming pollution from cars. The Supreme Court and several lower courts have consistently upheld the rights of states and the EPA to play this important role.
We hope the Senate will quickly act again to pass these critical energy policies and deliver a bright green holiday to America.
